N.M. Admin. Code § 8.370.22.30

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 23, December 10, 2024

Section 8.370.22.30 - HOME HEALTH AIDE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

A. General: No agency licensed pursuant to these regulations may employ an individual as a home health aide on a full-time, part-time, temporary, per diem, or other basis unless:

(1) that individual is competent to provide services as a home health aide;

(2) that individual has completed a training program or a competency evaluation program as outlined in these regulations.

B. Source of training: Any agency licensed pursuant to these regulations may provide training under the following conditions:

(1) The agency must submit, in writing, its intent to conduct home health aide training and the training curriculum to the licensing authority. Approval of the curriculum must be obtained from the licensing authority prior to instituting training.

(2) Agencies electing not to provide formal training must identify the method by which they will establish the competency of home health aides and document that each is determined competent.

(3) The licensing authority may deny a home health agency the right to conduct home health aide training or competency evaluation, for a specified period of time, not to exceed two years, if the licensing authority finds the agency in substantial noncompliance with these regulations.

C. Course requirements: Home health aides: The home health aide training program must address each of the subject areas listed below through classroom and supervised practical training totaling at least 75 hours, with at least 16 hours devoted to supervised practical training. "Supervised practical training" means training in a laboratory or other setting in which the trainee demonstrates knowledge while performing tasks on an individual under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

(1) The individual being trained must complete at least 16 hours of classroom training before beginning the supervised practical training;

(2) communications skills;

(3) observation, reporting and documentation of patient status and the care or service furnished;

(4) reading and recording of vital signs;

(5) basic infection control procedures;

(6) basic elements of body functioning and changes in body function that must be reported to an aide's supervisor;

(7) maintenance of a clean, safe and healthy environment;

(8) recognizing emergencies and knowledge of emergency procedures (including CPR and first aid);

(9) the physical, emotional and developmental needs of and ways to work with the populations served by the home health agency, including the need for respect for the patient, their privacy and their property;

(10) appropriate and safe techniques in personal hygiene and grooming that include, but are not limited to, bathing, shampooing, nail and skin care, oral hygiene and toileting;

(11) safe transfer techniques and ambulation;

(12) normal range of motion and positioning;

(13) nutrition and hydration;

(14) patient/client rights, including respect for cultural diversity;

(15) any other task that the home health agency may choose to have the home health aide perform.

D. Instructor personnel:

(1) The training of home health aides must be performed by, or under the supervision of, a registered nurse who possesses a minimum of two years of nursing experience, at least one year of which must be in the provision of home health services.

(2) Other pertinent personnel from the health professions may also be utilized as supplemental instructors.

E. Documentation of training or competency evaluation:

(1) All agencies which provide home health aide training courses or competency evaluations must document such training or competency evaluation for each individual taking the training or competency evaluation. Competency evaluation includes both a written test and a skills demonstration. Skills demonstration must be observed and documented by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

(2) Documentation must include at least the following information:

(a) Training:

(i) name of individual taking training;

(ii) title, purpose and objectives of class;

(iii) name of instructor and qualifications;

(iv) number of hours of instruction;

(v) date instruction was given.

(b) Competency:

(i) name of individual being evaluated for competency;

(ii) date and method used to determine competency.

F. Annual in-service training: Each home health aide must participate in at least 12 documented hours of in-service training during each 12 month period. This requirement may be fulfilled on a prorated basis during the home health aide's first year of employment at the home health agency.

G. Annual performance review: A performance review, including written evaluation and skills demonstration must be completed on each home health aide no less frequently than every 12 months.

N.M. Admin. Code § 8.370.22.30

Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXV, Issue 12, June 25, 2024, eff. 7/1/2024